The Homestead Bill of 1860 passes both houses and is sent to the President for signature

The Homestead Bill passed the House of Representatives in March, 1860.  The bill provided for any head of family of age with land up to 160 acres under certain conditions.   The Senate passed its version in May, 1860 and the completed bill finally emerged from protracted conference committee negotiations and was passed.  On June 22, 1860, President Buchanan vetoed the bill.  The Homestead Act finally became law in 1862.  (By John Osborne)